A decision on whether to rezone more than 300 acres in east Tulsa for a proposed data center project is on hold for at least two weeks.
A Tulsa-area rezoning committee approved a request from the developer for additional time to present more information, despite planning staff recommending denial of the proposal.
Community opposition grows
More than a dozen people attended the latest meeting, prepared to speak out against the project.
Many urged the committee not to delay the decision, saying additional time would not change their concerns.
“I’m also against the continuance. Nothing about two weeks is going to change the way we feel about this center going in our community,” said Tulsa resident Bobby Ross.
What is Project Anthem?
The proposal, known as Project Anthem, would allow a data center campus to be built on more than 300 acres.
The site is located between 11th and 21st Streets near the Creek Turnpike in east Tulsa.
If approved, the rezoning would pave the way for large-scale development in the area.
Staff recommends denial
Planning staff previously recommended denying the rezoning request, citing “insufficient justifications for the proposal.”
The developer’s attorney said more data is needed to support the project.
“I’d asked for some breakdowns of data and mapping that showed and supported this cause and the purpose for it and why this was justified in this case,” attorney Lou Reynolds said.
Concerns about impact
Opponents say the project could negatively impact both the environment and nearby neighborhoods.
Some residents worry the development could lower property values and change the character of the community.
Ross also emphasized the importance of public involvement.
“We need to show up and take part in these conversations or else we’re going to continue to be left out of them.”
What happens next?
The committee is expected to revisit the proposal and vote on the rezoning request at its next meeting on April 1.
As of now, key details about the project, including the identity of the developer, have not been publicly disclosed.
